Meet Erin Dial, MFTi at Gold Counseling in Kaysville, UT

Erin studied psychology at the University of Richmond with a concentration in neuroscience. After a brief foray into the world of neuroscience research, Erin pivoted her career aspirations to mental health when she realized her passion for fostering connections and relationships while working with adults suffering from eating disorders. Erin is completing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University.

In addition to working in a behavioral neuroscience lab in Richmond, VA, and as a Milieu Coordinator at the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, CO, Erin spent the better part of a decade working as a stay-at-home parent. She feels passionate about the mental health needs of parents, which are often overlooked and undervalued. Erin also feels passionate about working with couples and individuals who are seeking to strengthen their relationships, increase emotional and sexual intimacy, improve their communication skills, and address attachment wounds.

In addition to working in a behavioral neuroscience lab in Richmond, VA, and as a Milieu Coordinator at the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, CO, Erin spent the better part of a decade working as a stay-at-home parent. She feels passionate about the mental health needs of parents, which are often overlooked and undervalued. Erin also feels passionate about working with couples and individuals who are seeking to strengthen their relationship, increase emotional and sexual intimacy, improve their communication skills, and address attachment wounds.

Beyond master’s level coursework, Erin has completed specialized training in couples counseling approaches that have proven their effectiveness through research: the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (90% of couples employing EFT show significant improvement with long-lasting effects). As a child of divorce and someone who grew up in a blended family, Erin can also help families navigate this transition in life. Other areas of specialty include: –Faith crisis and transitions –LDS-specific topics (e.g., pre- and post-mission, church history, scrupulosity, guilt/shame, gender and sexuality, etc.) –Conflict resolution – Postpartum depression – Self-esteem and women’s empowerment –CBT, self-differentiation, and boundaries – Anxiety and depression.

For my own mental health, I have found that talk therapy, exercise, frequent social connection, adequate sleep, and breaks from my kids are all necessary to maintaining good emotional hygiene. In our busy lives, time and space are a luxury. On the other hand, giving myself permission to make room for, and invest in, my mental health has paid off in return. I am a better mother, spouse, and friend because of these habits.

I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. and have lived in Virginia, Colorado, and Russia in addition to Utah. I enjoy running, swimming, hiking, napping, listening to podcasts and audiobooks by day, and reading a hardcover book at night. I also love dissecting ideas from film, books, and religion and discussing them with others in my community.

“I believe the ability to bring our authentic selves to the table is key to experiencing greater personal satisfaction and emotional intimacy in our relationships—be it with our romantic partners, children, friends, or parents. Sometimes this requires clarity. Sometimes this requires vulnerability. Sometimes this requires making space for yourself or a differing opinion. I feel passionate that conflict in relationships can actually be healthy if managed effectively. I believe in a blend of approaches when working toward this goal and I can’t wait to help you!”